scholarly journals The German COVID-19 Survey on Mental Health: Primary Results

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Jung ◽  
Jonas Kneer ◽  
Tillmann H.C. Kruger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Distress ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Verbal Violence

First cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan, China in early December 2019. Preliminary data from China indicated that the pandemic and its associated lockdown measures may have a substantial impact on mental health and well-being, with evidence of increased levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia.1,2 In March 2020, the German government agreed upon a substantial catalogue of measures including contact bans that came into effect on 22 March. Such measures are unprecedented for the majority of people and may affect their lives tremendously. Thus, the current survey was immediately developed to systematically assess mental health in response to these measures. Methods The survey was approved by the local ethics committee at Hannover Medical School, Germany and included web-based self-report measures as outlined below. First wave data were taken during the height of lockdown measures in Germany from 1 April to 15 April 2020. Results Demographics A total of 3,545 volunteers took part in this cross-sectional survey. Mean age was 40.36 years (SD = 11.70; 83.1% female, 15.2% male), mean educational years 15.87 (SD = 4.19), 9.9% were unemployed and 23.9% reported living alone. Acute or chronic disease was reported by 36.7% (physical) and 24.7% (mental) of subjects. Distress, Anxiety and Depression Psychosocial distress as measured with the PHQ stress module (items 12a-12j of PHQ-D) was at M = 6.36 (SD = 0.89), implying mild psychosocial distress (range 5-9). Depression and anxiety as assessed by PHQ-4 was at M = 3.80 (SD = 3.03) and significantly higher than in a reference sample (t(6008) = 32.78, p = 0.00).3 The mean well-being score (WHO-5) was 50.7 (SD = 23.8) (range 0-100), with normal individuals having a mean score of 75 and subjects with major depression 37.5.4 The majority of subjects (60%) indicated very good or fair, 26.9% poor or very poor subjective coping with the pandemic and corresponding measures. Calculation of gender differences revealed higher scores for depression and anxiety (t(3459) = 4.93, p = 0.00) and poorer coping in women (U = 678156, p = 0.00). Sleep, irritability & violence Using comparative questions on a 5-point Likert scale 45.3% of participants reported worsened sleep compared to pre-pandemic times. Of all participants 50.9% reported being more easily irritated (compared to 12.2% feeling less easily irritated) and 29% reported experiencing more anger and aggression (compared to 12.8% experiencing less). Of these 65.5% directed their anger and aggression at others, while 32.6% directed it at themselves. Most importantly, 5% of all participants reported experiencing interpersonal violence (IPV) on a verbal (98.4%), physical (41.9%) or sexual (30.2%) level. In case of verbal violence, 77.3% reported experiencing more verbal violence lately (compared to 3.4% experiencing less). Regarding physical violence, 19.5% reported experiencing increased levels (compared to 2.8% experiencing less) and in case of sexual violence more people reported experiencing increased sexual violence lately (11.1%) compared to 1.7% that experienced less. Discussion This is one of the first and largest surveys on mental health during COVID pandemic in a European society. Although the cohort reflects a relatively well educated and financially secure sample, there is evidence of substantial mental burden with increased levels of stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance and irritability. Most importantly and also most concerning is the finding of a one-month prevalence of 5% IPV, which is already close to one-year prevalence rates5 and for which there were indices that this has currently increased. We think it is of vital importance to continuously monitor the mental health of the general public during this pandemic and its aftermath and to carefully screen for IPV and its risk factors such as stress, sleep problems and anger.6

scholarly journals Mental Health, Sense of Coherence, and Interpersonal Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3708
Author(s):  
Stefanie Jung ◽  
Jonas Kneer ◽  
Tillmann H. C. Krüger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Western Country ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Patient Health

Preliminary data indicates that the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic may have a substantial impact on mental health and well-being. We assessed mental health in response to the lockdown in Germany between 1 April 2020 and 15 April 2020 using a cross-sectional online survey (n = 3545) with a mixed-methods approach. We found increased levels of psychosocial distress (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) stress module), anxiety, depressive symptoms (PHQ-4), irritability, and a decrease in overall well-being (WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5)), sense of coherence (Short Form of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-L9)), sexual contentment, and sleep quality. The four-week-prevalence of interpersonal violence was yet at 5% and included verbal, physical, and sexual violence. Participants reported finding comfort in family, friends, conversation, exercise, and activity. Findings are also in line with research showing that women seem to have more trouble coping with the pandemic and lockdown measures. Our observations demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures lead to a mental health burden even in a highly developed Western country and should, therefore, be taken seriously. The findings for interpersonal violence are alarming. Thus, we should sharpen our focus on the matter and activate and enhance supporting systems to help protect those affected.

scholarly journals When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on mental health during COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Feng ◽  
Dan Dong ◽  
Min Zong ◽  
Zhizun Yang ◽  
Zhihong Qiao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Valuable Insight

Abstract Background The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviors. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depression) during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people self-isolated at home in China.Method: College students were recruited via a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item PHQ depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating and moderating effects on mental health.Results The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher risk people perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001); thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001), but this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. Paradoxical to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism ( t = 7.68, p < .001).Conclusions Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect, indirectly increasing their anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings enrich the theory of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Mental Health of Visitors of Web-Based Support Forums for Bereaved by Suicide

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannet Kramer ◽  
Brigitte Boon ◽  
Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra ◽  
Wouter van Ballegooijen ◽  
Ad Kerkhof ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
Web Based

Background: Persons bereaved by suicide are reluctant to ask for social support when they experience feelings of guilt and blame. A web-based peer forum may provide a safe and anonymous place for mutual support. Aims: This study examined the mental health changes of visitors of two online support forums for persons bereaved by suicide and their experiences with the forum over 1 year. Method: Visitors of two forums completed self-report measures at baseline and at 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Repeated measures analyses were used to study changes in well-being, depressive symptoms, and complicated grief. Additionally, participants were interviewed about their experiences with the forum. Results: The 270 participants were mostly female, low in well-being, with high levels of depressive symptoms and complicated grief. Suicidal risk was high for 5.9%. At 12 months, there were small to medium-sized significant improvements in well-being and depressive symptoms (p < .001) and nearly as much for grief (p = .08). About two thirds reported benefit from visiting the forum. Because of the pre–post design we cannot determine whether a causal relationship exists between the form and changes in mental health. Conclusion: After 1 year some positive changes but a large group was still struggling with their mental health. Interviews indicate that the forum was valued for finding recognition.

scholarly journals The Effect of Pre-Quarantine Physical Activity on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7771
Author(s):  
Abdulazeem S. Alotaibi ◽  
Boukhemis Boukelia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Significant Difference

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the changes to normal societal function and in particular quarantine has increased mental distress in many nations. A survey of 22,112 COVID-19-negative quarantined participants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (age: 18–40 years, 42.6%; 40–60 years, 53.3%; over 60 years, 4.1%; mass, 78.9 ± 14.8 kg; stature, 167 ± 8.7 cm) were assessed for depressive symptoms using the online Beck Depression Inventory self-report questionnaire. The relationship between pre-quarantine physical activity and mental health and wellbeing during lockdown has been investigated. A significant difference in body mass index (BMI) between active and inactive participants (p = 0.03) was observed; with females also recording a 3% higher BMI than males. All participants showed a decrease in mental health compared to pre-quarantine. However, pre-quarantine inactivity was found to result in a greater negative impact on mental health and well-being than those active pre-quarantine (p < 0.01). The sedentary population had a 4-fold greater incidence of mild-depression than the active population. This suggests that activity level plays an important role in shielding people from anxiety and stress, whilst it builds mental strength in individuals that can be called upon in trying and difficult situations. Nevertheless, pre-quarantine activity levels did not lead to any significant change in levels of extreme depression in the sample population.

scholarly journals When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Feng ◽  
Min Zong ◽  
Zhizun Yang ◽  
Wen Gu ◽  
Dan Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Valuable Insight

Abstract Background: The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviours. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms) during the COVID-19 pandemic while people self-isolated at home in China.Method: University students were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA scale), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyse the mediating and moderating effects on mental health. Results: The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher the risk the participants perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001), and thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001); however, this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. In contrast to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with the increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism (t = 7.68, p < .001). Conclusions: Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect than those with low altruism, which indirectly increased their anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings enrich theories of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, in the province of Alberta (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hany ElGindi ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
Shireen Surood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, threats to mental health, psychological safety, and well-being are evident, particularly among the first responders and the healthcare staff. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the potential predictors of the likely stress, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder among healthcare workers (HCW). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was used through a survey link sent to gather demographic information and responses on several self-report scales, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) among the various HCW groupings who subscribed to the Text4Hope program. RESULTS This study revealed that the HCW expressed an estimated high prevalence of moderate/high stress rates 840 (81.2%), while the likelihood of moderate/severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were 369 (38.6%), and 317 (32.7%), respectively, during COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses and other HCW were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms, compared to physicians, (F (2, 159.47) =15.89, 95% CI= (-5.05) -(-2.04). Younger age groups of HCW (≤30 y) were more prone to report likely stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, compared to HCW 41-50y and >50y (Odd’s ratio range: 1.82- 3.03). Similarly, females and those who reported a lack of social support (separated/divorced and single) among HCW, had a higher likelihood to report likely stress and depressive symptoms, respectively (OR=1.8 and 1.6). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study revealed the significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and indicated significant vulnerability among groups of HCW in Alberta. CLINICALTRIAL Ethical approval for this research was obtained through the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board (Pro00086163).

Coping and quality of life in one hundred and thirty five subjects with multiple sclerosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.R. Montel ◽  
C. Bungener
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Depression And Anxiety

Introduction and objective The aim of this study was to compare coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS), as they relate to the course of the disease (relapsing-remitting (RR), secondary progressive (SP), primary progressive (PP)), while taking depression and anxiety into account. Methods A total of 135 MS subjects were seen for a semi-structured interview in order to collect socio-demographic and clinical information, after which there was an assessment of their mental and cognitive states (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Depressive Mood Scale (EHD), Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)). All subjects then completed three self-report questionnaires; two about coping strategies (Ways of Coping Checklist (WCC), Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale (CHIP)) and one about QoL (SEP59). Results The mental health (depression and anxiety) and the psychological and social dimensions of QoL were relatively unaffected. However, after controlling for age and disability, the disease course had a strong effect on both mental health and QoL, with the poorest condition for SPMS and the best condition for PPMS. The SPMS patients tend to use emotional coping strategies extensively, while the PPMS patients use more instrumental strategies. Discussion Our study clearly demonstrated that psychological and social well-being were substantially affected by the disease course. These results encourage us to develop interventions focused on coping strategies and which are better adapted to individual patients. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 393- 401. http://msj.sagepub.com

scholarly journals Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. e50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M Seabrook ◽  
Margaret L Kern ◽  
Nikki S Rickard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Depression And Anxiety

Background Social networking sites (SNSs) have become a pervasive part of modern culture, which may also affect mental health. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarize research examining depression and anxiety in the context of SNSs. It also aimed to identify studies that complement the assessment of mental illness with measures of well-being and examine moderators and mediators that add to the complexity of this environment. Methods A multidatabase search was performed. Papers published between January 2005 and June 2016 relevant to mental illness (depression and anxiety only) were extracted and reviewed. Results Positive interactions, social support, and social connectedness on SNSs were consistently related to lower levels of depression and anxiety, whereas negative interaction and social comparisons on SNSs were related to higher levels of depression and anxiety. SNS use related to less loneliness and greater self-esteem and life satisfaction. Findings were mixed for frequency of SNS use and number of SNS friends. Different patterns in the way individuals with depression and individuals with social anxiety engage with SNSs are beginning to emerge. Conclusions The systematic review revealed many mixed findings between depression, anxiety, and SNS use. Methodology has predominantly focused on self-report cross-sectional approaches; future research will benefit from leveraging real-time SNS data over time. The evidence suggests that SNS use correlates with mental illness and well-being; however, whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental depends at least partly on the quality of social factors in the SNS environment. Understanding these relationships will lead to better utilization of SNSs in their potential to positively influence mental health.

Efficacy of ‘Foundations’, a Digital Mental Health App to Improve Mental Well-Being, during COVID-19: A Proof-of-Principle Randomised Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvina Catuara-Solarz ◽  
Bartlomiej Skorulski ◽  
Inaki Estella ◽  
Claudia Avella-Garcia ◽  
Sarah Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
World Health ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Proof Of Principle

BACKGROUND Against a long-term trend of increasing demand, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global rise in common mental disorders. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for scalable, evidence-based interventions to support mental well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this proof-of-principle study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-based app in adults with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and stress in a randomised control trial that took place during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. METHODS Adults with mild to severe anxiety and moderate to high levels of perceived stress were randomised to either the intervention or control arm. Participants in the intervention arm were given access to the app, Foundations, for the duration of the 4-week study. All participants were required to self-report a range of validated measures of mental well-being (10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale [CD-RISC-10]; 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]; Office of National Statistics Four Subjective Well-being Questions [ONS-4]; World Health Organisation-5 Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and sleep (Minimal Insomnia Scale [MISS]) at baseline and weeks 2 and 4; and, in addition, on perceived stress weekly (10-item Perceived Stress Score [PSS]). RESULTS 136 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The intervention group (n=62) showed significant improvements compared to the control group (n=74) on measures of anxiety (GAD-7 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.35 [SD 4.43]; control group: -0.23 [SD 3.24]; t134= 1.71 , P=.04), resilience (CD-RISC score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.79 [± SD 4.08]; control group: -0.31 [± SD 3.16]; t134 -3.37, P<.001), sleep (MISS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.16 [± SD 2.67]; control group: -0.26 [± SD 2.29]; t134= 2.13, P=.01), and mental well-being (WHO-5 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.53 [5.30]; control group: -0.23 [± SD 4.20]; t134= -2.16, P=.02) within 2 weeks of using Foundations, with further improvements emerging at week 4. Perceived stress was also reduced within the intervention group, although the results did not reach statistical significance relative to the control group (PSS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -2.94 [± SD 6.84]; control group: -2.05 [± SD 5.34]; t134= 0.84, P=.20). CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof-of-principle that the digital mental health app, Foundations, can improve measures of mental well-being, anxiety, resilience, and sleep within 2 weeks of use, with greater effects after 4 weeks. It therefore offers potential as a scalable, cost-effective, and accessible solution to enhance mental well-being, even during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals SEPARATED KIN: RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAJECTORIES OF OLDER ADULTS LEFT BEHIND IN RURAL CHINA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S880-S880
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Lin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Urban Migration ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
The Impact

Abstract As the processes of urbanization and globalization have intensified across the world, a burgeoning literature has documented the impact of emigration on the health of family members left behind in emigrant communities. Although the association between children’s migration and parental well-being is well documented, few have examined the health implications of children’s migration in the milieu of multiple children and further differentiated between children’s short-term and long-term migration. Therefore, I argue that it is not the geographic locality of a single child but the composition of all children’s location that matters. I further suggest that the impact of children’s migration on parental wellbeing is conditioned on the duration of children’s migration. Using a six waves longitudinal data (2001-2015) collected in rural China, this paper compares mental health (measured as depressive symptoms) trajectories of old adults (aged 60 and older) across different compositions of local and migrant children over a 14-year span. Results from growth curve models show that parents having more migrant children relative to local children experience a more rapid increase in depressive symptoms. In addition, older adults who have their most children migrate away for three or more waves of data have experienced the steepest rate of increase in depressive symptoms. These findings provide new evidence to support the life course processes of mental health disparities among older adults from the perspective of intergenerational proximity.

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